5/17/2010 NEW BOULDERING
There is a small, old bouldering area near Giant City, that climbers have started re-visiting. Go to the “New Problems” page and download a free mini guide to THE ORCHARDS.
5/16/2010 HELP SAVE DRAPER’S BLUFF!
Please visit the Illinois Climbers Association’s Website for more info! www.ilclimbers.org
2/1/2010 WELCOME BACK!
Hopefully this dreadful Southern Illinois weather will be coming to an end. This has been one of the wettest and coldest winters we’ve had ever. There’s been plenty of days to get out bouldering, but the perfect winter days we all dream of were few and far between. Here are a few picks of how Jim , Leif, Ian , and Matt spent these icy, cold conditions. Lets all pray the sunny 50’s show up soon!
12/7/2009 “SO iLL” GYM NOW CLOSED
The climbing wall in Desoto is now closed. The owners have the house on the market and can’t have climbers at the wall. Another (small) wall exist in Southern Illinois that can be climbed on if owner is notified... please email bliss@soillbouldering for more info.
11/17/2009 ATTENTION! ATTENTION! ATTENTION!
SHOTGUN DEER SEASON BEGINNING SOON
Illinois shotgun deer season is Friday November 20 through Sunday November 22 (first season) and Thursday December 3 through Sunday December 6 (second season). DO NOT CLIMB AT THE GRAVEYARD or HOLY BOULDERS! Also please refrain from visiting The Beach, Gum Springs, The Roost, Pounds Lake and One Horse Gap during these dates. Despite the obvious reason for not climbing at these places during shotgun season (accidently getting shot...very unlikely but possible) we would like to keep a good relationship with other forest users and refrain from creating any access issues. We have all year to boulder in the woods. Please stick to areas like Giant City and Jackson Falls during gun season. Thank you for your cooperation.
11/12/2009 “SO ILL SLOPE DOWN” Review
Southern Illinois’ first bouldering competition was a huge success! Despite a some what small competitor field, the comp ran pretty smooth, with a ton of awesome problems getting sent. Perfect warm, sunny fall weather, great bouldering and a sweet bluegrass band to end the evening left climbers excited for next years event.
11/03/09 “SO ILL SLOPE DOWN” Update
I’m sure everyone is psyched the rain is gone! The forecast looks awesome for the “Slope Down” this weekend. Please support your local bouldering and participate in this historical event. Perfect weather, perfect boulders and plenty of festivities are sure to please. Do not forget- Registration starts a 8:00 Saturday morning.
11/03/09 SO ILL ROOMMATE WANTED:
Single male in his 30s seeks a dependable, easy-going roommate to share apartment six miles south of Carbondale off Grassy Road, and just near Giant City Park. 5 minutes from 5 bouldering areas, with climbing wall. I have one bedroom for rent in a 2-bedroom country cabin style unit on the side of a small pond. Surrounded by Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and the Shawnee National Forest, this is a great place to live as a student (the majority of the 10 neighbors are either grad students or work at SIU) who seeks a nice respite from the often boisterous life in Carbondale. No pets, no smoking and no drugs (including marijuana please). Lease is month-to-month, $238 per month. For more info contact Greg Echelmeier (618) 534-9205
11/03/09 COMING SOON
Due to Draper’s Bluff current closure, So ill Bouldering along with Sandstone Warrior will be releasing a free, downloadable (if I can figure that out) guide to a new bouldering area! It’s a small area with just a handful of problems, good quality, and a SHORT drive from Giant City. Stay tuned for this awesome mini guide.
10/6/09 “SO ILL SLOPE DOWN” Bouldering Comp
The Rumors are true! Southern Illinois’ first bouldering competition will be held November 7th at Jackson Falls. Problems will be scattered through out Jackson Falls and The Roost (Newer bouldering area located within walking distance of Jackson). All skill levels welcome. The comp is pretty much free but requested donations are STRONGLY encouraged. For each competitor a pamphlet will be provided covering: overview map of Jackson Falls and The Roost, featuring trails, boulders, scorecard, camping sites and parking. Awesome T-Shirts will also be available! Competitors and spectators will receive trash bags before the comp to help with the Access Fund sponsored, Trash Clean Up. People are encouraged to pick up trash while enjoying the competition. Glow-in-the-dark dyno, mini comp Saturday night! Prizes will be awarded from fine sponsors such as So ill Holds, Shawnee Trails Wilderness Outfitters, The Ozark General Store, Access Fund and More. Custom, handblown, glass trophies will also be awarded to top competitors.
Friday night:
Camping
Saturday:
Registration 8-10:00am
Competition: 10am-4:00pm
Awards, etc: 5:00pm
Post Comp Ho-Down 8pm-whenever
Glow Dyno, Mini Comp 10-11pm
Camping
Please Call (618)319-0442 for any other questions
9/6/09 Bouldering Comp Rumor:
Rumors are spreading throughout southern Illinois of a possible bouldering comp, in the Jackson Falls area, this fall. Please stay tuned for more information.
8/30/09 The Beach: Update
The mighty Mississippi has been creating some strange bouldering conditions lately. As stated in “Sandstone Warrior”, the river levels can be checked before bouldering at www.rivergages.com. This site has previously offered very reliable ‘forecasts’ to current river conditions but I encountered a problem recently. The site listed the river stage at an ideal level but when I arrived it was flooded! It should be well on its way down, but just for the heads up, you can never really trust anything when it comes to the Mississippi. Also the flooding that occurred this summer left a few boulders partially buried. Might be a little tricky locating problems, if you’re not familiar with the area. Finally, remember that all of the problems at the Beach were rated given the normal amount of sand/rocks beneath start. Several problems may be a lot easier or harder now or even have different starting points. ---------- Please remember respect all private property and approach at your own discretion!
6/21/09 Draper’s Bluff Is Currently Closed!
Draper’s Bluff is currently closed until further notice, due to a new Illinois, landowners, liability issue. Everything is being done to figure out this situation and resolve the problem. Please check back with SoillBouldering’s news for updates concerning this closure.